Have door panel trim clips on hand in case they break when removing

Performance Gain:

Proper mirror function

Complementary Modification:

Tape door to prevent scratches

The exterior mirror has a total of four serviceable parts, the glass, the cap, surround trim and complete mirror. The mirror glass wears over time from water contamination and loses its reflectivity. You can replace just the mirror glass when this happens. The cover cap can become damaged from impact or from the harsh environment. This can also be replaced. However, it may need to be painted first. You can also replace the mirror surround trim that secures the cover cap. I suggest replacing the mirror glass along with it as sometimes the mirror glass can break when it is removed. The complete mirror assembly is also available and can easily be replaced. In this article, I'll go over the steps involved with all parts of the exterior mirror. Locate the part you want to replace and follow the steps.

Figure 1

Mirror glass replacing: Using a plastic prying tool, gently lever out the mirror glass by prying from the bottom center .The glass will pop off the four retaining clips. If the glass is cracked or in the condition where you think it may shatter, cover the mirror with tape to prevent the pieces from falling off.

Mirror glass replacing: Next, (on vehicles with heated mirrors) disconnect the heater wires by pulling them apart (green arrows). Also if equipped, remove the plug from the holder by sliding it out toward the top of the mirror glass and disconnect the connector (yellow arrow) by squeezing the release tab and pulling it apart. Install the new glass. Connect the electrical connectors. Place the plugs into the holders (if equipped with heated mirrors or other options)and then gently snap mirror glass into place.

Mirror glass replacing: Remove the door trim panel from the door. See our tech article on interior door panel removing. Locate the lower end of the tweeter speaker housing and use a clip-removing tool and pry out the clip (green arrow).

Mirror replacing: Using a plastic prying tool, release the tweeter speaker covering around the window opening. Start at the speaker and lever the trim cover away from the door, working your way around the door. Disconnect the pinch protection harness and remove it.

Mirror replacing: Follow the mirror wiring harness down to the electrical connector. Unplug the mirror connector by pressing the release tab and pulling it apart. Disconnect the mirror wiring harness from its mounting points. Remove the tape or wire ties as necessary. Be sure to use new wire ties and tape when reinstalling. Unplug the mirror wiring harness (green arrow). Carefully cut the wire ties (yellow arrows). Remove the tape (red arrow) and then push out the grommet (blue arrow). Feed the harness out of the door.

Mirror replacing: Remove the mirror mounting T30 Torx fasteners (green arrows) while holding the mirror in place. Be sure to support the mirror while removing the fasteners. It will fall if you don't. Once the fasteners are removed, remove the mirror from vehicle while feeding the wiring harness through the hole in the door. When installing, reverse the order of removal instructions. Be sure to replace any damaged door panel clips. Properly route all of the wiring as before.

Mirror trim cover and trim replacing: When replacing the cover, you will want to have it painted before installing it. Get the paint code off your vehicle and have it done a week or so before you perform the repair. Plan ahead. Use a plastic prying tool to lever the bottom of the cover off. Be careful not to damage the retaining tabs. Then rotate (flip) the cover upward and remove it. When doing this, you are levering the bottom of the mirror cover down, while pulling it away from the mirror assembly, toward the front of the vehicle.

Mirror trim cover and trim replacing: If your mirror is equipped with puddle lighting, flip the cover over and remove the electrical connector from the light (green arrow). Press the release tab and pull the connector straight off.

Mirror trim cover and trim replacing: Now that the cover is removed you can remove the mirror trim by prying up the mounting tabs up and sliding the trim off. To install the new cover and trim piece, reverse the removal steps.

Comments: Do you guys have any tips on diagnosing/replacing the gearing/motornot sure of the tech term that moves the mirrors power mirrors? Mine are loose so the mirrors wiggle back and forth and won't stay in a fixed position. I have them held in place with a small wedge of folded up duct tape. If I use the memory controls, it reeks havoc on them.
I have an '05 X5 4.4L
I've looked through all of the schematics here and other sites, even you tube...and came up with zilch.
Thanks!

July 20, 2016

Followup from the Pelican Staff: Sounds like either the pivots or the motor is worn. You can disassemble the mirror and inspect each part for tightness. - Nick at Pelican Parts

SteveC

Comments: Where can I buy the plastic disc that connects the mirror to the motor? Missing after an accident, and didn't come with the new mirror.

Thank you!

July 28, 2015

Followup from the Pelican Staff: Should be part of the glass, maybe the mirror is faulty as well?

Give our parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need.
- Nick at Pelican Parts